joyful

adjective

joy·​ful ˈjȯi-fəl 

: experiencing, causing, or showing joy : happy

a joyful crowd

joyful faces

a joyful occasion

joyfully

ˈjȯi-fə-lē 

adverb

joyfulness noun

Synonyms of joyful

• thankful
• delighted
• happy
• pleased
• glad
• satisfied
• joyous

Examples of joyful in a Sentence

We were joyful at the news.

the news of the child's safe return made us all joyful

Recent Examples on the Web

Tend to one task at a time, and allow room for pleasure, family and a more joyful personal life. — Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 30 June 2026

The second half brought a different tone to the joyful opening 45 minutes. — Christian Marshall, Kansas City Star, 4 July 2026

The South Florida sun beat down, but the family’s mood was nothing but joyful. — Shira Moolten, Sun Sentinel, 4 July 2026

The poem depicts writing as a joyful quest for enlightenment, of transforming darkness into light. — Literary Hub, 6 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

joyful

adjective

joy·​ful ˈjȯi-fəl 

: feeling, causing, or showing joy

a joyful family reunion

joyfully

-fə-lē 

adverb

joyfulness noun